Direct communication in antenna devices

ABSTRACT

Provided are a method, system, and device in which non-RF (radio frequency) data signals are transmitted to a non-RF data port connected to an antenna of a device. The non-RF data signals from the non-RF data port are coupled to a data bus using a low frequency coupler of the device. RF signals are blocked from the data bus using the low frequency coupler of the device. In another aspect, RF signals are transmitted to the antenna of the device and are coupled to an RF port using a high frequency coupler of the device. Non-RF data signals are blocked from the RF port using the high frequency coupler. Additional embodiments are described and claimed.

BACKGROUND

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology frequently used toidentify a target object. An RFID system typically includes aninformation carrying module known as a tag. A tag may include amicrochip having an antenna and may be packaged such that it can beapplied to the target object. The tag receives and transmits signals toand from a reader, most often packaged in the form of a transceiver. Thetag may contain a unique serial number as well as other information,such as a customer account number. Tags may be implemented in manyforms. For example, a tag may have a barcode label printed thereon, maybe mounted inside a carton or may be embedded within the target object.

RFID tags may be implemented as active, passive or semi-passive devices.RFID tags function in response to coded RF signals received from a basestation transceiver. An active tag generally includes its own energysupply, such as a battery, that may serve as a partial or complete powersource for the tag's circuitry and antenna. Batteries may be replaceableor sealed units. A passive tag is generally powered by the RFID readeritself and thus generally does not contain a battery. It typicallycommunicates by reflecting an incident RF carrier back to the reader. Asradio waves from the reader are encountered by a passive RFID tag, avoltage is induced from the antenna. The tag may draw power from theinduced voltage to energize its circuits. The tag then transmits theencoded information stored in the tag's memory by backscattering thecarrier of the reader. A semi-passive RFID tag typically uses a batteryto operate its internal circuitry, but also relies on backscatteringcommunication.

Reading is the process of retrieving data stored on an RFID tag bypropagating radio waves to the tag and converting the waves propagatingfrom the tag to the reader into data. Information is transferred as thereflected signal is modulated by the tag according to a particularprogrammed information protocol. Protocols for RFID tags may becategorized in terms of tag to reader over the air interfaces. Threecommon interface classes are Class-0 (read-only), Class-1 (read/write),and UHF Generation-2 (read/write), for example. UHF Generation-2provides some improvement upon existing Class-0 and Class-1 standardsfor worldwide operation and improved performance, for example. ISO 18000standard series RFID tags cover both active and passive RFIDtechnologies.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one known prior art RFID tag 10 whichincludes an antenna 12 which is coupled by an impedance matching circuit14 to an RF port 18 of RF circuit 20. In this example, the impedancematching circuit 14 includes a balun type transformer to match theimpedance of the RF circuit 20. The impedance matching circuit 14 mayinclude additional inductive or capacitive components, depending uponthe particular application.

The RF circuit 20 typically includes a transceiver which demodulates theincoming RF signal and decodes it in accordance with one or moreprotocols. The RF circuit 20 often can store data decoded from theincoming RF signals and can retrieve data to be encoded and modulatedinto outgoing RF signals which are transmitted by the antenna 12. The RFcircuit 20 can also scavenge power from the incoming RF signals andstore that power to power the circuitry of the RFID tag 10.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a prior art RFID tag 10 which has beenintegrated on a single substrate 30. The antenna 12 is formed as ametallization deposited on the surface of the substrate 30. The RFcircuit 20 and impedance matching circuit may be integrated on the samesubstrate 30 or on one or more additional integrated circuit substrates.The integrated circuit or circuits of the tag 10 may be encapsulated inone or more packages.

An RFID tag such as the RFID tag 10 may be embedded in a product and maybe used for inventory control of that product, for example. Also, anRFID tag may be embedded in a product having additional circuitry whichinteracts with the circuitry of the RFID tag. For example, an RFID tagmay be embedded in a sensor such that the output of the sensor may beread by interrogating the RFID tag with a wireless signal. There arenumerous other applications for RFID tags.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a prior art example of an RF path from an antenna of an RFIDdevice.

FIG. 2 is a prior art example of an integrated circuit antenna of anRFID device.

FIG. 3 illustrates one example of an RFID system incorporating an RF andnon-RF data path in accordance with the description provided herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates one example of an RFID device incorporating an RF andnon-RF data path in accordance with the description provided herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates one example of operations of an RF and non-RF datapath in accordance with the description provided herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates an antenna having a direct connect non-RF data portin accordance with one embodiment of the description provided herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates an RF and non-RF data path in accordance with oneembodiment of the description provided herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates another example of operations of an RF and non-RFdata path in accordance with the description provided herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings which form a part hereof and which illustrate severalembodiments. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized andstructural and operational changes may be made without departing fromthe scope of the descriptions provided.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of an RFID system100 which may incorporate one or more of the aspects described herein.System 100 may comprise, for example, a communication system havingmultiple nodes. A node may comprise any physical or logical uniquelyaddressable entity in system 100. These nodes may include wirelesscommunication modules such as, for example, RFID tags, as welltransceivers for reading and writing information to and from the tags.The RFID tags may have information associated with target objectslocated throughout system 100. The embodiments are not limited in thiscontext.

The nodes of system 100 may be arranged to communicate different typesof information by way of RFID tag protocols. Information exchanged invarious embodiments of RFID system 100 may comprise any data associatedwith target objects. For example, such information may be exchangedthrough active RFID tags and may comprise data associated with locating,tracking, and safeguarding target objects, including, for example,locating warehouse inventory items, tracking containers with manifestdata and safeguarding containers with security type RFID tags, trackingequipment maintenance-parts, tracking vehicles, and locating positionsof target objects, for example. Additionally, such information may beexchanged through passive RFID tags and may comprise data associatedwith accessing target systems such as electronic access control, mobilespeed pass at gasoline stations and toll booths, ski pass, luggage tags,passport control, and supply chain item/carton/pallet tracking, amongother similar applications, for example. Furthermore, system 100 maycomprise, for example, variations and combinations of active and passiveRFID tags. Information may comprise data associated with batteryassisted passive tags, combined passive (short range) and active (longrange) tags, transmit only tags (beacon tag), and real-time locatingsystems, for example.

The nodes of RFID system 100 may communicate media and controlinformation in accordance with one or more custom or standard protocols.A protocol may comprise a set of predefined rules or instructions tocontrol how the nodes communicate information between each other. Aspreviously discussed, there are several basic forms of over the airinterface protocols to enable RFID tag to reader communication, such as,for example, Class-0 (read-only), Class-1 (read/write), and UHFGeneration 2 (read/write), among other protocols, for example. Theprotocol may be defined by one or more protocol standards as promulgatedby a standards organization. These may include protocols defined byinternational RFID standards, such as, International StandardsOrganization (ISO) RFID standards, International ElectrotechnicalCommission (IEC) RFID standards, Electronic Product Code (EPC) RFIDStandards, International Telecommunications Union (ITU), and UniversalPostal Union (UPU) RFID standards, for example. The protocols may bedefined by National Standards Organizations, such as American NationalStandards Institute (ANSI) for the United States, British StandardsInstitute (BSI) for the United Kingdom, and/or other standards forexample. The protocols also may be industrial or proprietary customprotocols. The embodiments, however, are not limited in this context. Itis appreciated that other protocols may be used, depending upon theparticular application.

Portions of RFID system 100 may be implemented as a wired communicationsystem, a wireless communication system, or any combination thereof.Although system 100 may be illustrated using a particular communicationsmedia by way of example, it may be appreciated that the principles andtechniques discussed herein may be implemented using any type of RFIDcommunication media and accompanying technology. The embodiments,however, are not limited in this context.

When implemented as a wireless system, system 100 may include one ormore wireless nodes comprising wireless communication modules, such as,for example, RFID tags, interrogators, transceivers, and the like. Thesewireless nodes may be arranged to communicate information over one ormore types of wireless communication media. An example of a wirelesscommunication media may include portions of a wireless spectrum, such asthe radio-frequency (RF) spectrum. The wireless nodes may includecomponents and interfaces suitable for communicating information signalsover a designated wireless spectrum, such as one or more antennas,wireless transmitters/receivers (“transceivers”), amplifiers, filters,control logic, and so forth. Examples for the antenna may include aninternal antenna, an omni-directional antenna, a monopole antenna, adipole antenna, a lead-frame antenna, an end-fed antenna, a circularlypolarized antenna, a patch antenna, a plane-inverted F antenna, amicro-strip antenna, a diversity antenna, a dual antenna, an antennaarray, and so forth. The embodiments are not limited in this context. Itis appreciated that other types of antennas may be used, depending uponthe particular application.

Referring again to FIG. 3, RFID system 100 may comprise nodes 102, 104,106 a-106 n, for example. Although FIG. 3 is shown with a limited numberof nodes arranged in a certain topology, it may be appreciated thatsystem 100 may include additional or fewer nodes arranged in anytopology desired for a given implementation. Node 102 may communicatewith nodes 106 a-106 n via RFID wireless communication links 108 a-108n. In addition node 102 may communicate with node 104 via wirelesscommunication link 110, wired link 112, or any combination thereof, forexample. In one embodiment, wireless communication link 110 also maycomprise a wireless RFID link, for example. In one embodiment,transceiver 114 communicates with module 122. In one embodiment, module122 may comprise a wireless device such as an RFID tag such as one ofthe RFID tags 116 a . . . 116 n, wireless telephone (e.g., cellulartelephone), computer, wireless device, cellular telephone or any otherwired or wireless communication device described herein. The embodimentsare not limited in this context.

In one embodiment, RFID system 100 may comprise node 102. Node 102 maycomprise, for example, an RFID reader comprising a communicationelement. Among other elements and functions, the communication elementmay include a wireless transceiver 114, for example, to communicatebetween node 102 and nodes 106 a-106 n, for example. In one embodiment,transceiver 114 may comprise antenna 118 and may be configured tocommunicate with one or more wireless modules, such as, for example,RFID tags 116 a, 116 b, 116 n at nodes 106 a, 106 b, 106 n,respectively, for example. Each RFID tag 116 a, 116 b, 116 n comprisesan antenna 120 a, 120 b, 120 n, respectively.

RFID tags 116 a-116 n may communicate with node 102 by way of multipleover the air interface protocols, for example. In one embodiment, RFIDtags 116 a-116 n which may include a module such as module 122, maycomprise any one of or any combination of Class-0 (read-only), Class-1(read/write), UHF Generation 2 (read/write), and ISO18000 classes ofRFID tags discussed above, among other RFID tag classes, for example. Inone embodiment, RFID tags 116 a-116 n may comprise active, passive,and/or semi-passive RFID tags, for example.

In general operation, RFID system 100 may comprise an RFID system todynamically track and monitor target objects located therein. In oneembodiment, system 100 may communicate information between node 102 andnode 104, and between node 102 and nodes 106 a-106 n, at any time, andsimultaneously read and write information from and to RFID tags 116a-116 n, respectively. For example, transceiver 114 may read and writeinformation from and to RFID tags 116 a-116 n to track target objectssuch as serial numbers of target objects and components containedtherein.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the module 122 of the node 104 has anantenna 150 which is adapted to receive RF signals from a communicationdevice such as the transceiver 114 of node 102. In addition, the antenna150 of the module 122 of node 104 has a non-RF data port 154 which isadapted to conduct non-RF data signals. As explained in greater detailbelow, an RF and non-RF data path 160 is adapted to couple non-RF datasignals between the non-RF data port 154 and secondary electronics 164having a data bus 162 of the module 122. The secondary electronics 164may include digital circuitry from the complex to the simple. Forexample, the secondary electronics 164 may include a microprocessor or afew switches.

In accordance with one aspect of the present description, the non-RFdata port 154 and the RF and non-RF data path 160 can provide a securedata path by which data may be uploaded to or downloaded from the module122 without wireless transmission of the data. Thus, for example, themodule 122 may be an RFID tag embedded in a product used for monitoringsecurity checkpoints. At the conclusion of a round of security checks,data may be downloaded from the secondary electronics 164 of the module122 via the data bus 162, the RF and non-RF data path 160 and the non-RFdata port 154 without wirelessly communicating that data. As anotherexample, the module 122 may be an RFID tag which is embedded in aproduct for which certain parameters of operation are to be updated. Theupdated parameter information may be downloaded to the secondaryelectronics 164 of the module 122 via the non-RF data port 154, the datapath 160 and the data bus 162 without wirelessly communicating thatdata.

In a further aspect, the RF and non-RF data path 160 may be furtheradapted to substantially block direct coupling of RF signals between theantenna 154 and the data bus 162 of the secondary electronics 164. Thus,the RF and non-RF data path 160 can permit non-RF data signals to passto or pass from secondary electronics 164, while blocking RF signalsreceived at or transmitted by the antenna 150, from passing directly tothe secondary electronics of the module 122. Thus any interference withthe operation of the secondary electronics which may be caused by thetransmission or receipt of RF signals by the module 122, may besubstantially reduced or eliminated.

In yet another aspect of the present description, the RF and non-RF datapath 160 may be adapted to couple RF signals between the antenna 150 andan RF port 168 coupled to an RF circuit 170 of the module 122. Thus,data carried by RF signals received by the antenna 150 may bedemodulated and decoded by an RF circuit 170.

In still another aspect of the present description, the RF and non-RFdata path 160 may be further adapted to substantially block coupling ofnon-RF data signals between the non-RF data port 154 and the RF port 168of the module 122. Thus any interference with the operation of the RFcircuit which may be caused by communications between the non-RF dataport 154 and the secondary electronics of the module 122, may besubstantially reduced or eliminated.

FIG. 4 shows a more detailed example of a module 122 in accordance withthe present description. As shown therein, the RF and non-RF data path160 includes a low frequency coupler 400 which couples the non-RF dataport 154 of the antenna 150 to the data bus 162 of the secondaryelectronics 164. In this example, the data bus 162 is a serial data bus.However, it is appreciated that the data bus 162 may be any suitabledata bus including parallel, synchronous, asynchronous and any otherconduit capable of transmitting data, depending upon the particularapplication.

The secondary electronics 164 of this example may include a processor402 and/or a memory 406, for example. It is appreciated that thesecondary electronics 164 may include programmable or dedicated logiccircuitry. Still further, the secondary electronics may be relativelycomplicated such as that represented by a microprocessor or may berelatively simple in nature such as a switch. The secondary electronics164 may be digital or analog, depending upon the particular application.The secondary electronics 164 may include a sensor such as a securitysensor or a bioarray sensor, for example.

In this example, the secondary electronics 164 are depicted as beingseparate from the RF circuitry 170 and coupled by a data bus 407. Inaddition, the secondary electronics 164 are depicted as optionally beingpowered by a separate power source such as a battery 408. However, inother applications, the secondary electronics 164 may be located in thesame locale of the module 122 as the RF circuit 170 and may be poweredby the same scavenged power as the RF circuit 170. In this example, thedata bus 407 is depicted as a parallel data bus. However, it isappreciated that the data bus 162 may be any suitable data bus includingserial, parallel, synchronous, asynchronous and any other conduitcapable of transmitting data, depending upon the particular application.

The RF and non-RF data path 160 further includes a high frequencycoupler 410 which couples the antenna 150 to the RF port 160 of the RFcircuit 170. In this example, the RF circuit 170 includes an RFIDtransceiver 414 which demodulates and decodes data carried by incomingRF signals from the antenna 150. In addition, the RFID transceivergenerates RF signals which are transmitted through the antenna 150. Apower circuit 416 can scavenge power from the incoming RF signals forpurposes of powering the RF circuit 170.

In one example, the module 122 may include an integrated circuit packagewhich contains one or more integrated circuit dies. The integratedpackage may be represented by the outline 420. The antenna 150 and itsnon-RF data port 154, the RF and non-RF data path 160, the RF circuit170, and the secondary electronics 170 and its data busses 162, 407 maybe integrated on a single die as represented by the box 422. Thesecondary electronics within the package may include a security sensoror a bioarray, for example. Alternatively, these components may beintegrated on more than one die and packaged in one or more packages.Similarly, a secondary power source such as a battery 408 may bepackaged in the same package as the secondary electronics 164 or may bepackaged separately.

In another example, the antenna 150 and its non-RF data port 154, the RFand non-RF data path 160, the RF circuit 170, and the secondaryelectronics 170 and its data bus 162 may be integrated either togetheror separately on a printed circuit board as represented by the outline420. Similarly, a secondary power source such as a battery 408 may beintegrated on the same printed circuit board as the secondaryelectronics 164 or may be disposed on a separate circuit board.

One example of operations of the module 122 is depicted in FIG. 5. Inone operation, non-RF data is transmitted (block 500) from a host suchas the RFID reader of node 102, for example, to a non-RF data port suchas the non-RF data port 154 of the antenna 150. The RFID reader of node102 has a wired connection 112 for non-RF data communication with themodule 122. It is appreciated that a host may be any suitable datasource or data storage device including mainframes, servers, laptopcomputers, tablet computers, desktop computers, personal digitalassistants, telephones, media players and so forth. The host transmitsnon-RF data to the non-RF data port 154 of the antenna 150 by connectinga suitable conductor such as a wire to the non-RF data port 154. Theconnection with the host may be a permanent wired connection to thenon-RF data port 154 or may be a temporary connection such as bytouching a probe to the non-RF data port 154.

FIG. 6 shows an example of an antenna 150 formed as a metallizationdeposited on the surface of the substrate 600. The non-RF data port 154of the antenna 150 includes a pair of differential conductive contactpads 602, 604, each of which is connected by a conductive metallizationconduit 606 to the main body of the antenna 150. It is appreciated thatthe contact pads 602, 604 and the conduits 606 may alter the RFperformance of the antenna 150. Accordingly, it is contemplated that thedesign of the antenna 150 may account for such alterations.

As previously mentioned, the connection with the host may be a permanentwired connection to the contact pads 602, 604 of the non-RF data port154. Alternatively, a host may make a temporary connection by touching aprobe to the contact pads 602, 604. It is appreciated that theparticular manner in which a wired connection is made to the antenna150, may vary, depending upon the particular application. For example,in some applications, protruding conduits 606 and contact pads 602, 604may be avoided for a non-RF data port. In one embodiment, contact mayinstead be made directly to the main body of the antenna 150 asrepresented by the dotted circles, 602′, 604′, for example. Hence, theareas designated 602′, 604′ of the main body of the antenna 150 mayfunction as a non-RF data port 154′ as well as function as aconventional part of the RF antenna 150. Contact may be made to theareas 602′, 604′ by probes or other suitable devices. It is appreciatedthat contact may be made to other areas of the main body of the antenna,depending upon the particular application.

The antenna 150 depicted in FIG. 6 is one example of a suitable antennahaving a non-RF data port 154. As previously mentioned, the antenna 150may be an internal antenna, an omni-directional antenna, a monopoleantenna, a dipole antenna, a lead-frame antenna, an end-fed antenna, acircularly polarized antenna, a patch antenna, a plane-inverted Fantenna, a micro-strip antenna, a diversity antenna, a dual antenna, anantenna array, and so forth. The embodiments are not limited in thiscontext. It is appreciated that other types of antennas may be used,depending upon the particular application.

The non-RF data signals transmitted by the host may be coupled (block620, FIG. 5) from a non-RF data port such as the port 154, to a databus, such as the data bus 162 of the secondary electronics 164, forexample, using a low frequency coupler. FIG. 4 shows an example of a lowfrequency coupler 400 coupling the non-RF data port 154 of the antenna150 to the data bus 162 of the secondary electronics 164.

In another operation, the low frequency coupler also blocks (block 630,FIG. 5) RF signals from reaching the data bus such as the data bus 162of the secondary electronics 164. FIG. 7 shows one example of a lowfrequency coupler 400 for a differential non-RF data port 154 havingcontact pads 602, 604 connected by conduits 606 to the main body of theantenna 150 and to differential conduits 702, 704. As shown in FIG. 7,the low frequency coupler 400 of this example is inductive and includesa first inductor 710 which connects the differential conduit 702 to thedata bus 162 of the secondary electronics. A second inductor 712connects the differential conduit 704 to a different potential, such asground.

The inductors 710 and 712 act as a short to low frequency signals and asan open circuit to high frequency signals. As a consequence, the lowfrequency non-RF data signals from the non-RF data port 154 may becoupled to the data bus 162 of the secondary electronics while any highfrequency signals including RF signals from the antenna 150 areeffectively blocked from the data bus 162.

In one embodiment, the low frequency coupler 400 may couple signals suchas signals below 100 MHz and may block signals such as signals above 100MHz. In another embodiment, the low frequency coupler 400 may couplesignals such as signals below 10 MHz and may block signals such assignals above 10 MHz. In yet another embodiment, the low frequencycoupler 400 may couple signals such as signals below 1 MHz and may blocksignals such as signals above 1 MHz. In still another embodiment, thelow frequency coupler 400 may couple signals such as DC or near DCsignals and may block signals above DC or near DC. It is appreciatedthat the particular frequency at which coupling is cut off and blockingbegins may vary, depending upon the particular application.

FIG. 8 depicts an additional example of operations of the module 122. Inone operation, RF signals are transmitted (block 800) over the air froma host to an antenna such as the antenna 150 of the module 122. It isappreciated that a host may be any suitable wireless communicationdevice including RFID readers, mainframes, servers, laptop computers,tablet computers, desktop computers, personal digital assistants,telephones, media players and so forth. As previously mentioned, theRFID reader of node 102 has a wireless communication link 110 for RFdata communication with the module 122.

In another operation, the RF signals transmitted to an antenna such asthe antenna 150 are coupled (block 810) to an RF port such as the RFport 160, using a high frequency coupler such as the high frequencycoupler 410. In yet another operation, non-RF data signals such asnon-RF data signals from the non-RF data port 154 are blocked (block820) from an RF port such as the RF port 160 using a high frequencycoupler such as the high frequency coupler 410.

FIG. 7 also shows one example of a high frequency coupler 410 for adifferential non-RF data port 164 having contact pads 602, 604 connectedby conduits 606 to the main body of the antenna 150 and to differentialconduits 702, 704. As shown in FIG. 7, the high frequency coupler ofthis example is capacitive and includes a first capacitor 830 whichconnects the differential conduit 702 to a differential line 834 of animpedance matching circuit 836. A second capacitor 840 connects thedifferential conduit 704 to another differential line 842 of theimpedance matching circuit 836.

The capacitors 830 and 840 act as a short to high frequency signals andas an open circuit to low frequency signals. As a consequence, the highfrequency RF signals from the antenna 150 may be coupled to theimpedance matching circuit 836 and the RF port 160, while any lowfrequency signals including non-RF data signals from the non-RF dataport 154 of the antenna 150 are effectively blocked from the impedancematching circuit 836 and the RF port 160 to the RF circuit 170 (FIG. 4).

In one embodiment, the high frequency coupler 410 may couple signalssuch as signals above 100 MHz and may block signals such as signalsbelow 100 MHz. In another embodiment, the high frequency coupler 410 maycouple signals such as signals above 10 MHz and may block signals suchas signals below 10 MHz. In yet another embodiment, the high frequencycoupler 410 may couple signals such as signals above 1 MHz and may blocksignals such as signals below 1 MHz. In still another embodiment, thehigh frequency coupler 410 may couple signals such as signals above DCor above near DC signals and may block signals at or near DC. It isappreciated that the particular frequency at which blocking ends andcoupling begins may vary, depending upon the particular application.

In the illustrated embodiment, the impedance matching circuit 836 is abalun type transformer having inductors 850 cross coupled between thedifferential conduits 834, 842. The impedance matching circuit 836 maybe similar to the impedance matching circuit 14 of FIG. 1. However, thevalues of the elements of the circuit 836 may vary to accommodate theimpedances of the RF and non-RF data path 160 and the non-RF data port154. It is further appreciated that other types of impedance matchingcircuits may be used, depending upon the particular application. Also,in some applications, an impedance matching circuit may be eliminated.

Additional Embodiment Details

The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “theembodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “someembodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all)embodiments of the present invention(s)” unless expressly specifiedotherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variationsthereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any orall of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unlessexpressly specified otherwise.

Devices that are in communication with each other need not be incontinuous communication with each other, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. In addition, devices that are in communication with eachother may communicate directly or indirectly through one or moreintermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communicationwith each other does not imply that all such components are required. Onthe contrary a variety of optional components are described toillustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the presentinvention. Further, although process operations, method operations,algorithms or the like may be described in a sequential order, suchprocesses, methods and algorithms may be configured to work in alternateorders. In other words, any sequence or order of operations that may bedescribed does not necessarily indicate a requirement that theoperations be performed in that order. The operations of processesdescribed herein may be performed in any order practical. Further, someoperations may be performed simultaneously.

When a single device or article is described herein, it will be readilyapparent that more than one device/article (whether or not theycooperate) may be used in place of a single device/article. Similarly,where more than one device or article is described herein (whether ornot they cooperate), it will be readily apparent that a singledevice/article may be used in place of the more than one device orarticle. The functionality and/or the features of a device may bealternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are notexplicitly described as having such functionality/features. Thus, otherembodiments of the present invention need not include the device itself.

The described operations may be implemented as a method, apparatus orarticle of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineeringtechniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combinationthereof. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein refers to codeor logic implemented in a tangible medium, where such tangible mediummay comprise hardware logic (e.g., an integrated circuit chip,Programmable Gate Array (PGA), Application Specific Integrated Circuit(ASIC), etc.) or a computer readable medium, such as magnetic storagemedium (e.g., hard disk drives, floppy disks, tape, etc.), opticalstorage (CD-ROMs, optical disks, etc.), volatile and non-volatile memorydevices (e.g., EEPROMs, ROMs, PROMs, RAMs, DRAMs, SRAMs, firmware,programmable logic, etc.). Code in the computer readable medium isaccessed and executed by a processor. The tangible medium in which thecode or logic is encoded may also comprise transmission signalspropagating through space or a transmission media, such as an opticalfiber, copper wire, etc. The transmission signal in which the code orlogic is encoded may further comprise a wireless signal, satellitetransmission, radio waves, infrared signals, Bluetooth, etc. Thetransmission signal in which the code or logic is encoded is capable ofbeing transmitted by a transmitting station and received by a receivingstation, where the code or logic encoded in the transmission signal maybe decoded and stored in hardware or a computer readable medium at thereceiving and transmitting stations or devices. Additionally, the“article of manufacture” may comprise a combination of hardware andsoftware components in which the code is embodied, processed, andexecuted. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that manymodifications may be made to this configuration without departing fromthe scope of the present description, and that the article ofmanufacture may comprise any suitable information bearing medium.

In certain implementations, the embodiments may be included in acomputer system including nonvolatile memory and a storage controller,such as a SCSI, Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE), Redundant Array ofIndependent Disk (RAID), etc., controller, that manages access to anon-volatile storage device, such as a magnetic disk drive, tape media,optical disk, etc. In alternative implementations, embodiments may beincluded in a system that does not include nonvolatile memory or astorage controller, such as certain hubs and switches.

In certain implementations, the embodiments may be implemented in acomputer system including a video controller to render information todisplay on a monitor electrically coupled to the computer systemincluding the host software driver and network controller, such as acomputer system comprising a desktop, workstation, server, mainframe,laptop, handheld computer, telephone, etc. Alternatively, the featuresdescribed herein may be implemented in a computing device that does notinclude a video controller, such as a switch, router, etc.

The foregoing description of various embodiments has been presented forthe purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variationsare possible in light of the above teaching.

1. An apparatus, comprising: an antenna adapted to receive RF signals,said antenna having a non-RF data port adapted to conduct non-RF datasignals; a data bus; and a low frequency coupler coupling said data busto said non-RF data port of said antenna, and adapted to couple saidnon-RF data signals between said non-RF data port of said antenna, andsaid data bus, said low frequency coupler being further adapted tosubstantially block coupling of RF signals between said antenna and saiddata bus.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: an RF port;and a high frequency coupler coupling said antenna to said RF port, andadapted to couple RF signals between said antenna and said RF port, saidhigh frequency coupler being further adapted to substantially blockcoupling of said non-RF data signals between said non-RF data port andsaid RF port.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said low frequencycoupler is an inductive coupling.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 whereinsaid high frequency coupler is a capacitive coupling.
 5. The apparatusof claim 4 further comprising a radio frequency identification (RFID)device wherein said device comprises said antenna having said non-RFdata port, said data bus, said low frequency coupler, said RF port andsaid high frequency coupler.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein saiddevice further comprises a data processor coupled to said data bus andadapted to process said non-RF data signals from said non-RF data portand to transmit non-RF data signals to said non-RF data port via saiddata bus and said low frequency coupler.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6wherein said device further comprises an RF transceiver coupled to saidRF port and adapted to transmit RF signals to said antenna and receiveRF signals from said antenna via said high frequency coupler.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 5 further comprising an integrated circuit packagehaving at least one integrated circuit die within said package, whereinsaid RFID device is integrated within said at least one die.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 6 further comprising an integrated circuit packagehaving at least one integrated circuit die within said package, whereinsaid RFID device is integrated within said at least one die.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 5 further comprising a printed circuit board havingintegrated thereon said RFID device.
 11. The apparatus of claim 6further comprising a printed circuit board having integrated thereonsaid RFID device.
 12. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising asubstrate and a bioarray integrated on said substrate, said RFID devicealso being integrated on said substrate.
 13. The apparatus of claim 5further comprising a product wherein said RFID device is an RFID tagembedded in said product.
 14. A method, comprising: transmitting non-RFdata signals to a non-RF data port of an antenna of a device; couplingsaid non-RF data signals from said non-RF data port to a data bus usinga low frequency coupler of said device; and blocking RF signals fromsaid data bus using said low frequency coupler of said device.
 15. Themethod of claim 14 further comprising: transmitting RF signals to saidantenna of said device; coupling said RF signals to an RF port using ahigh frequency coupler of said device; and blocking said non-RF datasignals from said RF port using said high frequency coupler.
 16. Themethod of claim 15 wherein said non-RF data signal coupler is aninductive coupling.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein said RF signalcoupler is a capacitive coupling.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein aradio frequency identification (RFID) device comprises said antennahaving said non-RF data port, said data bus, said low frequency coupler,said RF port and said high frequency coupler.
 19. The method of claim 18further comprising processing said non-RF data signals from said non-RFdata port and transmitting via said data bus and low frequency coupler,non-RF data signals to said non-RF data port.
 20. The method of claim 19further comprising transmitting via said high frequency coupler, RFsignals to said antenna via said high frequency coupler.
 21. The methodof claim 18 wherein said RFID device is integrated within at least onedie of an integrated circuit package.
 22. The method of claim 19 whereinsaid processing and transmitting of non-RF data signals is performed bya data processor which is part of said RFID device which is integratedwithin at least one die of an integrated circuit package.
 23. The methodof claim 18 wherein said RFID device is integrated on a printed circuitboard.
 24. The method of claim 19 wherein said processing andtransmitting of non-RF data signals is performed by a data processorwhich is part of said RFID device which is integrated on a printedcircuit board.
 25. The method of claim 18 wherein said RFID device isintegrated on a substrate with a bioarray.
 26. The method of claim 18wherein said RFID device is an RFID tag.
 27. A communication system,comprising: a plurality of nodes, said nodes including a plurality ofradio frequency identification (RFID) tags and a host having an RFIDreader, at least one of said RFID tags comprising: an antenna adapted toreceive RF signals, said antenna having a non-RF data port adapted toconduct non-RF data signals; a data bus; and a low frequency couplercoupling said data bus to said non-RF data port of said antenna, andadapted to couple said non-RF data signals between said non-RF data portof said antenna, and said data bus, said low frequency coupler beingfurther adapted to substantially block coupling of RF signals betweensaid antenna and said data bus.
 28. The system of claim 27 wherein saidat least one RFID tag further comprises: an RF port; and a highfrequency coupler coupling said antenna to said RF port, and adapted tocouple RF signals between said antenna and said RF port, said highfrequency coupler being further adapted to substantially block couplingof said non-RF data signals between said non-RF data port and said RFport.
 29. The system of claim 28 wherein said low frequency coupler isan inductive coupling.
 30. The system of claim 29 wherein said highfrequency coupler is a capacitive coupling.